Are Youth Sports Pushing Kids Too Hard?

Can a 14-year-old have a “career-ending” injury? Can an ACL tear affect a child for decades? Youth sports culture rarely talks about the long-term cost.  Why are serious sports injuries—especially knee injuries like ACL tears—becoming more common in kids and teens? Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Matt Tao breaks down what’s really driving these injuries: early specialization, overuse, playing through pain, and rushing recovery.  Most importantly, this episode shifts the focus from getting kids back in the game to protecting their long-term health—so they can grow into adults who still love movement, activity, and sports.  If you’re a parent of a young athlete, this is a must-listen before the next season starts.  Find a National Strength and Conditioning Association certified coach.    Send your questions to [email protected] or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices